juansinmiedo t1_j8qvb4q wrote
Reply to comment by Chemomechanics in Does refracting light impart momentum onto the object that is refracting it, for the duration of the refraction? by TheFeshy
Does it mean that the reflected (or refracted) photon has a longer frequency (less energy)?
Chemomechanics t1_j8rqj4n wrote
As I recall, the energy is split between absorption, reflection, and refraction. The frequency of the light wave stays the same; its speed changes. Remember that we’re talking about light interacting with matter, rather than lone photons in a vacuum.
thickener t1_j8rw9kz wrote
This answer got me wondering, if a photon could somehow enter an atmosphere, pass through water, then head back into the vacuum of space, does it “re-accelerate” to “full” lightspeed? How does that work?
Chemomechanics t1_j8s6uup wrote
No one thing is decelerating or accelerating. The photon–matter interaction propagates slower than c.
See the discussion here and the links within, for example.
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